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A confirmed EF-1 tornado touched down in Cherrystone Family Camping Resort in Cape Charles, Virginia on Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Virginia State Police have confirmed two deaths as a result after a tree fell across two tents. They’ve named the victims as 38-year-old Lord Balabat and his wife Lolibeth Ortega. Their 13-year-old son was transported to CHKD with life threatening injuries. Officials say the family is from Jersey City, NJ.

Sentara spokesperson says “Three Sentara hospitals are making mass casualty preparations – Sentara Norfolk General, Sentara Virginia Beach General and Sentara Leigh. We anticipate multiple patients, but will not know how many until they arrive at each hospital.”

Shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday (July 24), Virginia State
Police began receiving calls concerning severe storm damage in the Cheriton
community of Northampton County, Va., on the Eastern Shore.

There have
been NO reports of any fatalities in the county or at a local campground
impacted by the storm.

At 8:48 a.m., Virginia State Police responded to an
overturned tractor-trailer in the 20400 block of Lankford Highway in
Northampton County.

The driver was transported to a nearby hospital for
treatment of minor injuries.

At this time, state police are investigating to
see if the storm was a factor in the crash.

At 9 a.m., Virginia State Police began responding to the
Cherrystone Campground in Cheriton. Upon arriving at the at the campground,
troopers encountered numerous downed trees and power lines across the roads.

Several campers were struck by fallen trees and some campers overturned.

Only
minor injuries have been reported at this time. Virginia State Police,
Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and local fire and rescue crews are on
scene.

Virginia State Police say they’re still only confirming two deaths (The Eastville Volunteer Fire Department has confirmed three) and approximately 20 injured at the Cherrystone Family Camping Resort.

At this time, those at the campground are being transported by bus to a nearby school for shelter as state police and the sheriff’s office continue to search the campground for any
additional injured persons.

While working at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, and treating patients affected by today’s storm on the Eastern Shore, Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam released the following statement:

“As an Eastern Shore native, my heart goes out to all those affected by today’s storm. I will work closely with Governor McAuliffe, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran, and our partners across the region to make sure that the Eastern Shore has the resources it needs to respond and recover from this horrible tragedy. The Eastern Shore is a closely knit community with a strong sense of spirit and resolve, and I know working together we will forge ahead in the face of adversity. I will continue to keep all those affected in my thoughts and prayers.”

Hampton Roads, VA (July 24, 2014)
–The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command’s Emergency
Disaster Services (EDS) team is responding to the severe weather and tornado
that touched down on the Easter Shore the morning of Thursday, July 24, 2014.

The mobile unit from Norfolk will
assist in feeding 500 people at Northampton High School this evening and are
prepared to provide additional support to survivors and first responders.

“The Salvation Army is always
prepared to serve those in need and we’re ready to assist during times of disaster
through physical and spiritual comfort,” says Major Stephen Long, Area
Commander.

UPDATE: During a press conference today, officials have confirmed that a couple died and their 13-year-old son is fighting for his life at CHKD after a confirmed tornado touched down at Cherrystone Family Camping Resort in Cape Charles, Virginia. 31 others were injured.

UPDATE: During a press conference today, officials have confirmed that a couple died and their 13-year-old son is fighting for his life at CHKD after a confirmed tornado touched down at Cherrystone Family Camping Resort in Cape Charles, Virginia. Officials say a tree fell on the family while they were in two different tents.

36 others were injured.
Officials say the family is from Jersey City. They’ve named the victims as 38-year-old Lord Balabat and his wife Lolabeth Ortega.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement today:

“I am heartbroken for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives at the Cherrystone Campground today, as well as those who were injured in this storm. I stand ready to help the Eastern Shore community recover in whatever ways I can.”

I am saddened by the news of the devastating tornado that hit Northampton County this morning. For those who lost loved ones or have been injured, my thoughts are with you.
I have spoken with Secretary of Public Safety, Brian Moran, and both his office and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management stand ready to offer any assistance that might be necessary from the Commonwealth.
Tragic events such as this always highlight the importance of our volunteer fire departments, EMS and police. I am always so grateful for the public service of the first responders whenever a tragedy like this occurs. Thanks to all of them for their service and their efforts especially during this crisis.

The governor will be in the area on Friday to look at the damage caused by today’s tornado. During a press conference, officials said the tornado was contained to the campground except when it bounced over to Route 13 and hit the truck. The driver reported seeing a funnel cloud coming toward him.

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in Cape Charles earlier on Thursday in Cheriton and Oyster.
They say there was straight line wind damage and large hail.

The tornado started in the Chesapeake Bay just a few miles west of Cherrystone. The tornado then moved east and affected the northern parts of Cherrystone Campground. It then moved to Old Cherrystone Road and U.S. Route 13 before it lifted near Seaside Road to the Northampton Landfill.
Several trees fell down or snapped off and many camping trailers were damaged in the process.

Officials say there were also reports of trees falling on homes as well.

There is also crop damage due to the large hail and siding on several homes is also damaged.

Norfolk, VA – In response to yesterday’s tragic storm on the Eastern Shore, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore responded to a request from Northampton School Board to assist in supplying food, linens and blankets to those who sought refuge at the Northampton High School emergency shelter. The Foodbank anticipates the need for continued support to families in our community.

“We know that the effects will be longer lasting than today for those who have lost power and sustained damage to their homes,” said Renee Figurelle, Chief Operating Officer of the Foodbank. “Every day, we serve our neighbors in need, and we sincerely appreciate the donations the community provides that allow us be there for those who are struggling.”
If anyone affected by the disaster needs any replacement food supplies, they are asked to contact the Foodbank office in Tasley, VA at 757-787-2557. Those who wish to donate food or funds can do so by calling, dropping off between 8:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Friday, or giving online. For every $10 received, the Foodbank can distribute up to $60 worth of grocery products.